Wayzata High School has hired veteran coach Derrin Lamker as the next head coach of the Trojans football program according to CCX Media, bringing decades of experience across both high school and collegiate levels — and a clear focus on student-athletes and culture.
Lamker said the decision to come to Wayzata aligned closely with his personal values after meeting with district and school leadership.
“They’re unbelievable. They work well together,” Lamker said. “They have clear and concise goals and what they want to do and excellence and give you a great experience for the student-athletes is what they want to do and it just fit my values and what I was looking for,” he stated in a CCX interview.
Lampker returns to the high school ranks after six seasons coaching at Augsburg University. Most recently, he led Osseo High School this fall, returning to a program he previously coached for 11 seasons. During that earlier stint, Lamker compiled a 74–39 record and guided Osseo to a state championship in 2015.
Reflecting on his return to high school football, Lamker said the experience reinforced what matters most in the role.
“The one year back in high school after six in college really kind of got me back into you know the needs and the wants of the student athletes and then we’re here to make their experience great,” he said. “I think a lot of people forget that it’s about giving those student athletes great experience they only get one shot at it and that’s something that you know I’m really passionate about but also making sure that that Friday night is really special for them.”
Wayzata finished last season 1–8, but Lamker said expectations for the program should remain high — particularly in a large, competitive school community.
“I want the expectations high,” Lamker said. “You if you don’t expect to win or think you should win or want to be a champion, then I don’t know why you’re playing. I hate it. So I really love that. You know, the expectations are lit and that’s what you should be doing in a school with this many numbers and this many kids.”
Lamker indicated he views Wayzata as the final head coaching stop of his career, bringing a long-term mindset to building the program.
For Wayzata football, the hire signals a commitment to experience, accountability, and a renewed focus on making Friday nights — and the full student-athlete journey — meaningful once again.
